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[Killietalk] axelrod update---a minor correction
There is a minor error in the article on HRA that reflects a general
misconception regarding patronyms (scientific names honoring a particular
individual). The cardinal tetra was described as Cheirodon axelrodi by the
late L.P. Schultz of the Smithsonian. It was not named after HRA by himself,
as the article claims. This is one "sin" that simply cannot be laid at HRA's
door. Despite a persistent, general presumption to the contrary among the lay
public,
I know of no case in which anyone has ever named a species for him/herself.
This notion seems to be derived from a general misconception that patronyms
are usually erected to recognize some outstanding achievement in science, art,
etc. A cynical bearer of a patronym can use this misconception as the basis
for implying to the public that he/she had done something particularly
noteworthy to deserve it. To cite a mythical example: "Campellolebias brucei
is named for me. I am a great biologist whom someone honored by naming this
species for me. You should buy the books and magazines that I
write/publish..." HRA seems to have understood this, particularly with regard
to such charismatic and popular species as the cardinal tetra. He used the
patronym as a powerful marketing tool.
In fact, while patronyms are indeed used to recognize achievement, they have
also been
used, since Linnaeus if not before, to honor/reward the people who put up the
money for the expedition, or founded the museum, paid the curator's salary,
sponsored the monograph, etc. An example: Nothobranchius palmqvisti... If you
want a patronym, you don't have to do anything noteworthy at all other than have
money and be willing to spend it. In science, as in nearly everything else, as
Joel Grey and Lisa Monelli put it in the movie version of "Cabaret," "money
makes de vorld go around, de vorld go around..."
Why is this not a surprise..?
Bruce J. Turner
Dept. Biol. Sci.
VIRGINIA TECH
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540)-231-7444 (V)
"...We are Hokies. We will prevail..."
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